Senator Salihu Mustapha Presents Different Approach To Tackling Drug Abuse At Mohammed Ibrahim’s Book Launch In Ilorin

Chairman, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Senator Salihu Mustapha  on Tuesday presented different approach to tackling substance abuse among young people in the country, submitting that this can actually be effectively done through deliberate human capital development, orientation, and skill development.

He added that education is a powerful tool in preventing drug abuse while noting that he has been a strong advocate for investing in human capital development . He also talked about the steps he has taken to enhance quality of education in the Kwara Central Senatorial District.

Senator Salihu Mustapha , who is the Turaki of Ilorin, said this while giving his speech during the book launch event held  by the head of Kwara state command of the  National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.,, NDLEA, Mr.  Mohammed Ibrahim in Ilorin.

Team@orientactualmags.com  learned that the two new books were titled ‘Look Before you Leap’ and ‘Drug Slaves’.

Represented by  his Technical Adviser On Skill Development, Job Creation and Entrepreneurship .Mallam Nasir Abdulquadri, the senator also talked about the steps he has taken to touch the lives of his constituents and change things for the better.

‘I am honored to stand before you today , not just as a co-launcher but as your representative at the National Assembly, with commitment to passionately addressing one of the most pressing challenges facing our society – the menace of drug abuse. As a Senator representing Kwara Central and a title holder in the prestigious Ilorin Emirate, I have embarked on a multifaceted approach to tackle this issue through deliberate human capital development, orientation, skill development, entrepreneurial mindset promotion, and support for young people and women, and legislative initiatives focused on agriculture.

Recognizing that education is a powerful tool in preventing drug abuse, I have been a strong advocate for investing in human capital development. Through strategic partnerships with educational institutions, we have worked to enhance the quality of education in the Kwara Central. This includes initiatives to improve infrastructure, support professional development opportunities for educators, and create an enabling  environment for learning.

    

To address the root causes of drug abuse, we have prioritized orientation programmes aimed at instilling values, ethics, and a strong sense of purpose in our youths. Additionally, we are actively involved in skill development initiatives that equip our young population with practical skills, making them more employable and less susceptible to the temptations of substance abuse.

    

Fostering an entrepreneurial mindset is crucial in creating opportunities for self-sustainability and economic empowerment. Through mentorship programmes, workshops, and access to financial resources, we are encouraging our youths to embrace entrepreneurship, helping them build a future that is not only economically viable but also free from the clutches of drug abuse.

   

Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, our efforts extend to supporting both youths and women. We have implemented programmes that provide financial assistance, training, and mentorship to empower women and youths to actively participate in economic activities, thereby reducing their vulnerability to the scourge of drug abuse’ he said.

While noting that the fight against drug abuse requires a comprehensive and integrated approach, Senator Mustapha also commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq and the Kwara state Government for prioritizing the fight against drug abuse.

‘Their strategic policies and financial support for rehabilitation programmes and community-based initiatives demonstrate a strong commitment to eradicating this menace. The government’s holistic approach, involving multiple sectors, underscores its understanding of the complex nature of the issue’ he said.

The federal lawmaker, who represents Kwara Central , added that as  Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agricultural Products and Rural Development, he is  actively working on legislative initiatives that will promote sustainable agriculture noting that he has done this by supporting policies that will enhance agricultural productivity, create employment opportunities, and improve the economic conditions of our rural communities which has made it clear that the socio-economic factors that contribute to drug abuse are being addressed.

‘Understanding that idle minds are more susceptible to negative influences, we are investing in creative engagement programmes through youth development associations and other identified platforms for constructive, innovative and creative engagement, By providing platforms for artistic expression, cultural activities, talent management and sports, we are redirecting the energy of our youth towards positive endeavors, fostering a sense of community and belonging’ he added.

Giving his speech, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA),  retired Brigadier-General Buba Marwa,  called on state governments to provide lands for the construction  of  barracks by the agency across the country.

He also  urged the state governments to donate vehicles to the agency  as this will aid the fight against illicit drugs and substance at various commands.

The NDLEA boss also  disclosed plans by the agency to establish offices in all local governments in  the country as part of measures taken to tackle  drug menace at the grassroots level.

Represented by the Director of Internal Affairs and Provost Marshall at the agency, Dr. Malami Sokoto, Marwa also urged traditional rulers to join hands with the agency in tackling the menace at the grassroots. 

He also commended  Mr Mohammed Ibrahim  noting that the two new books will provide the young people with information about how to guard themselves against drugs abuse while those who are addicted can be treated and made to recover-Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980. Thank you